[ Transactional ] as a Clinic : Students interested in transactional work in any substantive law area need to hone the kinds of skills developed in this clinic and prized by good business lawyers: an understanding of context; an ability to collaborate; good analytic skills; and polished drafting and other written communication skills.
Be sure to also consider other clinics: Whether or not a clinic focuses on the substantive law of your specific career orientation, you can be confident that every clinic will provide skills-based training that is relevant and transferable to other areas of practice. Review the clinic activities for the skill sets you are most interested in acquiring, such as interviewing clients, presenting arguments, writing for different audiences, or negotiating and collaborating with others. Equally important, the mentoring offered to students by clinical program directors provides a valuable opportunity to develop that key lawyering competence: professional judgment.

[ Academia ] [ Regulatory & Policy ] as a Clinic : In this clinic, students work on a variety of contracts, corporate governance and external communications matters for local non-profit organizations. The clinic develops written communication and collaboration skills essential for a corporate law practice. It is especially useful for students interested in transactional work and business organizations, whether or not the client entity is organized for profit.
Be sure to also consider other clinics: Whether or not a clinic focuses on the substantive law of your specific career orientation, you can be confident that every clinic will provide skills-based training that is relevant and transferable to other areas of practice. Review the clinic activities for the skill sets you are most interested in acquiring, such as interviewing clients, presenting arguments, writing for different audiences, or negotiating and collaborating with others. Equally important, the mentoring offered to students by clinical program directors provides a valuable opportunity to develop that key lawyering competence: professional judgment.
The following clinics are particularly useful for those planning to work in the policy arena or practice with regulatory agencies, as they develop a policy focus and administrative advocacy skills useful for this career direction in any substantive area: Criminal Defense Clinic, Cyberlaw Clinic, Environmental Law Clinic, Community Law Clinic, Education Law Clinic, Supreme Court Clinic

General course
Description:

The goal of the Organizations and Transactions Clinic ("O&T") is to introduce students to the materials, expectations, interactions, disciplines and vocabulary of corporate practice. We learn about corporate context, relationships and documents, and about the expectations for professional work-product and client communication. We emphasize methodical analysis, effective collaboration, efficient writing and crisp execution. As part of introduction to practice, we also want students to see how corporate lawyers can serve community as well as commercial organizations through pro bono, board service and other activities. O&T client work centers on representation of established Northern California nonprofit organizations. Clients vary by size, policy area and operating model; most have annual revenues between $300,000 and $7 million. The clinic targets organizations working in sustainable agriculture, food security and food system reform; core human services such as mental health care, shelter, and family support; and education and youth development. Our practice focuses on corporate governance, contract and risk management matters. We provide governance advice and documents, draft contract and management materials and analyze operating programs and contractual arrangements. We do all our client work in two-person teams. Students have primary responsibility for client work, acting the under the supervision of the clinic director and clinical teaching fellow. Students generally work with 3 - 4 clients during the quarter and typically interact with client CEOs, board members and general counsels.

Course Style: A Clinic provides hands-on practical legal experience under the supervision of a faculty member and complemented by a seminar.